Driving by myself with a newborn?

Question

I just feel nervous driving by myself with my 5-week-old in the backseat rear-facing. Is there any way to get over this, or am I right for not driving by myself with her? I plan 2 today but am so nervous. did u drive by yourself with your newborn?

Answer 1

i always drive by myself with my daughter, i just talk to her while driving but she usually falls asleep. i did get one of those extra head support things for her carseat which made me worry less about her head flopping around.

Answer 2

Yes, I drove all the time with my newborn. To help with your comfort level, you can get a rear view mirror. One goes in front for you and one in front of the baby so you can see her. Hang in there. You can do it.

Answer 3

I drove all the time by myself with a newborn in the back seat.  She usually just slept the whole time.  If she did happen ot wake-up and start screaming, you can always just pull over and tend to her.

Answer 4

Yes, I did and it's totally normal to feel nervous. When my husband went back to work I had no choice than to drive with my newborn daughter alone. My was I petrified that something would happen to my girl while I drove. Thoughts that my girl would stop breathing or somehow choke constantly ran through my head. The worse is that I thought that I could not pull over fast enough if it did happen.... Thankfully, nothing ever happen.

I suggest that you purchase a mirror so that you can put in front of your baby while you drive. By doing that you can see how your baby is doing.

Again, totally normal for you to feel nervous.

Answer 5

i think the answer about taking short trips around the block first is a good idea.  i am taking my two week old daughter on her first trip to the pediatrician by myself on monday and i'm pretty nervous too so you're not alone.  i have a mirror that plays music so i hope that helps.  i also think the answer about leaving ahead of time in case you have to pull over is a good idea too.  i will be doing that on monday.  good luck

Answer 6

Sure did. It's normal to be nervous. Just make sure her car seat is put in right and everything will be fine.

Answer 7

Yes, otherwise I would of never got out. They normally sleep in the car anyway. If you feel nervous, try short journeys first

Answer 8

yes i drove mine. in fact, i didn't trust anyone else to drive her. you'll be fine, just go for a quick ride around the block or something to ease your nerves and then short trips until you feel comfortable.

Answer 9

It actually ended up being fine when I did it with my daughter.  I was hesitant like you, but she managed well on her own.  As newborns, they usually just take the time to nap in the car anyway.  If she cries uncontrollably, you can always stop the car and tend to her.  Just make sure she's been fed and changed before you leave so you can eliminate those issues.  

Answer 10

oh yeah. i drove all the time with him back there. just get ready to make sudden stops. and if you get a mirror for the back make SURE it is anchored down well, otherwise it can be a big hazard in an accident. if it makes you too worried, dont drive alone with them because youll probably be too worried about your baby to pay good attention to the road.

Answer 11

Perfectly normal to worry about driving with a baby, I think all new moms feel that way.  Suddenly every other driver on the road seems to be going just a little too fast!  Take a few short trips first so you'll feel more comfortable driving with the baby in the car  :)

Answer 12

I think most moms drive in the car with their baby alone.  Also if you are really concerned they make mirrors they sell at Target/Wal-Mart/Babies R Us, etc, that you can attach to the seat and see the baby if this will help ease your anxiety I highly recommend buying one.  There is no need to worry, if the baby is quiet and sleeping, I check at red lights/stop signs for breathing.  If the baby is crying, then it's a lot tougher to focus on driving, but still totally possible!  Good luck.

Answer 13

Why would it be any different than driving without a newborn?

Get one of those mirrors for the back seat so you can see them when they are rear facing.  Yes, she might cry and get upset, but that's okay.  Give yourself extra time in case you need to pull over and feed her or calm her down.

I'm a single Mom... I had no choice but to drive with my newborn.  I wouldn't have groceries or diapers or formula if I didn't.

Answer 14

I drive by myself with my baby, yes. You'll just have to get over it, sorry. You cannot put your life on hold. Get a mirror so you can see her while you're driving. At 5 weeks she'll most likely fall asleep in the car anyway. Feed her and change her before you go anywhere and there shouldn't be any problems.